Why Did Pyongyang Condemn the US Indictment of Four North Koreans?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
North Korea has condemned the US indictment of four of its citizens for alleged wire fraud and money laundering, calling it an absurd smear campaign. This article delves into the details of the case and North Korea's strong response, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Key Takeaways
- North Korea strongly condemned the US indictment.
- Allegations include wire fraud and money laundering.
- North Korea claims the US is fabricating a cyber threat.
- The accused reportedly stole $915,000 in cryptocurrency.
- The incident escalates tensions between the two nations.
Seoul, July 4 (NationPress) North Korea has vehemently criticized the recent indictment by the United States of four of its nationals on allegations of wire fraud and money laundering, labeling it as “an absurd smear campaign.”
In late June, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced charges against the four individuals, claiming they were involved in a scheme that allegedly resulted in the theft and laundering of over US$900,000 in cryptocurrency. The accused were also added to a wanted list.
A spokesperson from the North Korean foreign ministry stated, “This recent incident represents a grave violation of our sovereignty and is intended to damage our state’s reputation.” The spokesperson further accused the U.S. of perpetuating a “hostile move” against a fictitious “cyber threat” from North Korea.
Operating from the United Arab Emirates, the accused reportedly impersonated remote IT workers using false identities to secure positions at a blockchain development company in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Serbian virtual token firm between late 2020 and early 2021, as per a report from Yonhap news agency.
Once they had gained the trust of their employers, they allegedly accessed digital assets and misappropriated cryptocurrency valued at $915,000, transferring it to different accounts, according to the legal charges.
The North Korean official voiced “serious concern” over the indictment, branding it a “provocation” that infringes upon the rights of North Korean citizens by “fabricating groundless cyber drama.”
“The true menace of destabilizing international cyberspace does not stem from the DPRK, but rather from the U.S.” the spokesperson emphasized, accusing Washington of transforming cyberspace into “a battlefield” and exploiting cyber issues as a political tool.
DPRK refers to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the nation's official designation.
“We will not tolerate any hostile actions from the U.S. that seek to infringe upon our sovereignty through unfounded slander and unlawful judicial measures,” the official warned, asserting that North Korea retains the right to implement appropriate and proportional countermeasures to defend the security and rights of its citizens.
Point of View
It is crucial to present an unbiased perspective on the unfolding events between the US and North Korea. While the legitimacy of the US indictment remains a point of contention, it is essential to understand the broader implications for international relations and cybersecurity.
NationPress
06/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against the North Koreans?
The four North Koreans are accused of wire fraud and money laundering, allegedly stealing and laundering over $900,000 in cryptocurrency.
How did North Korea respond to the indictment?
North Korea labeled the indictment as an absurd smear campaign and a violation of its sovereignty.
What does DPRK stand for?
DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which is the official name for North Korea.
What was the method used by the accused?
The accused allegedly posed as remote IT workers using false identities to gain employment and access digital assets.
What does North Korea claim about the US's actions?
North Korea claims that the US is creating a false narrative of a cyber threat to justify hostile actions against them.
